High School
SAIS-Abu Dhabi curriculum does more than prepare students for success at the college level; it helps them develop into independent, creative thinkers who will positively influence the world around them.
The high school curriculum seeks to further develop critical thinking, advanced writing, and creative reasoning skills across all subject areas. High school students, in their course of study, will gain knowledge in fundamental areas as well as develop a sense of their own strengths and interests — skills that are essential to success in college.
All students are expected to work to their greatest potential and challenge themselves as they select their courses.
A wide variety of electives allow each student to explore and expand their interests. Electives are designed to enhance our program and to allow students the flexibility to discover and nurture their abilities and interests.
SAIS-Abu Dhabi is aligned with the California Common Core State Standards & the Next Generation Science Standards; we follow a standards-based grading scale helping to prepare students for college and careers beyond high school.
The minimum graduation credit requirement for SAIS-AUH high school students is 25 credits in a four-year program.
Elective Subjects
Computer Science
This course introduces students to computer science concepts such as computer architecture, networks, and the Internet. Students use object-oriented programming, event-driven processes, modular computer programming, and data manipulation algorithms to produce finished software programs. They use the design process to create many programs by determining specifications, designing the software, and testing and improving the product until it meets the specifications. By the end of this course, students will have a solid foundation for further study in this subject.
Genetics
Students will continue to develop their knowledge in the core disciplinary ideas in the NGSS including science as inquiry. This course will allow students to investigate genetics through scientific methodologies. Genetics will include key ideas such as DNA Replication, DNA Transcription, Protein Synthesis, Gene expression (phenotype and genotype), Meiosis, Mendelian Genetics, and Multifactorial and Behavioral Genetics. This will also bridge disciplinary boundaries, uniting core ideas throughout the fields of science and engineering.
Design and Technology
The study of Design and Technology develops a student’s ability for innovative and creative thought through the planning and production of design projects related to real-world needs and situations. Students investigate existing solutions, analyze data and information, and generate, justify and evaluate ideas. Students experiment with tools, materials, and technologies to manage and produce prototypes, products, and solutions to identified needs and problems. Students undertaking Design and Technology learn to be creative and innovative in the development and communication of solutions. Students learn to identify, analyze and respond to needs through research and experimentation leading to the development of quality design projects. They learn about Work Health and Safety to manage and safely use a range of materials, tools, and technologies to aid in the development of design projects. Students critically evaluate their own work and the work of others. Individual design projects provide students with opportunities to develop their project management skills.
Accounting
This course introduces students to accounting concepts and principles, financial statements, internal control design, and accounting for partnerships. By the end of the course, students are able to define terms related to business accounting, apply accounting concepts and principles, prepare financial statements, analyze financial statements for decision making, evaluate internal controls, account for partnership transactions, and differentiate international financial reporting standards from generally accepted accounting principles.